How to Grow Kohlrabi in Your Garden
Kohlrabi is a cool season vegetable that prefers a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate some organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep, 1-2 weeks before the last frost in the spring. Thin seedlings or transplant kohlrabi 6 inches apart in the row with rows 1 foot apart. Irrigate regularly, and avoid water or fertilizer stress during growth. Kohlrabi is the least hardy of the cabbage like vegetables. Temperatures below 45ºF will cause the plant to flower. Hot weather causes the stem to become woody and tough. Control insects and diseases throughout the year. Harvest kohlrabi when the stem enlarges to 2-3 inches in diameter.
Recommended Kohlrabi Varieties
There are many good broccoli varieties for sale in local gardening outlets, through seed catalogs and numerous on-line sources. Quickstar (40 days, purple skin), Grand Duke (50 days), White Vienna or Purple Vienna (60 days) have excellent production, eating quality, and flavor.
How to Grow Kohlrabi
Soils
Kohlrabi prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter for best growth. Most soils in Utah are suitable for kohlrabi production.
Soil Preparation
Before planting, determine fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the recommendations given with the test report. If fertilizer applications are warranted, work the fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. If you fertilize with compost, apply no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter per 100 square feet of garden area.
Plants
Kohlrabi can be grown from seed or transplants. Seeds should be planted ¼-½ inch deep and thinned to the final stand when plants have 3-4 true leaves. Plants removed at thinning can be transplanted to adjacent areas. Transplants can be used to provide earlier harvest. Transplants should have 4-6 mature leaves and a well-developed root system before planting. Generally 5-6 weeks are required to grow transplants to this size.
Planting and Spacing
Seeded or transplanted kohlrabi should be spaced 6 inches between plants in the row with rows 1 foot apart. Kohlrabi grows best when temperatures do not exceed 75°F. Young plants may be damaged by hard frosts. Mature plants will flower if average temperatures during growth are less than 45°F. Transplants may be planted 1-2 weeks before the last frost date for the growing area. Seeded kohlrabi may be planted at the same time. For fall maturing kohlrabi, select early maturing cultivars and plant 50 days before the anticipated maturity date. The maturity date can be timed for 2-3 weeks after the first fall frost. High summer temperatures reduce growth, decrease quality, and cause the enlarging stems to become tough and woody. In hot areas it is best to grow kohlrabi as a spring or autumn crop.
Water
Water kohlrabi frequently, since roots are shallow. About 1-2 inches of water are required per week. Use drip irrigation if possible to conserve water. Applying mulch around the plant also helps conserve soil moisture and reduces weed growth. Moisture fluctuations will cause the stems to become tough and woody.
Fertilization
Apply ½ cup per 10 feet of row of a nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) 3 weeks after transplanting or thinning to encourage rapid plant growth. Place the fertilizer 6 inches to the side of the plants and irrigate it into the soil.
Mulches and Row Covers
Plastic mulches can help conserve water, reduce weeding and allow earlier planting and maturity, especially with transplants. Fabric covers are used to protect seedlings and transplants from frosts and insect pests. Apply organic mulches when temperatures increase above 80°F. Organic mulches such as grass clippings, straw, and shredded newspaper help cool the soil, reduce water stress and help control weeds.
Problems with Growing Kohlrabi
Weeds
Plastic and organic mulches effectively control weeds. Be sure to control weeds when plants are small and be careful not to damage roots when cultivating.
Insects
View more detailed information on cole crop insects and diseases (PDF).
| Insect | Identification | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Green or black soft-bodied insects that feed on underside of leaves. Leaves become crinkled and curled. | Use insecticidal soaps, appropriate insecticides, or strong water stream to dislodge insects. |
| Cabbage Worms and Loopers | Worms and loopers are light to dark green. Adult loopers are gray or brown moths while cabbage worms are white butterflies. Worms and loopers chew holes in leaves and hide in kohlrabi leaves. | Control worms and loopers with appropriate insecticides or biological measures. |
| Flea Beetles | Small black beetles that feed on seedlings. Adults chew tiny holes in cotyledons and leaves. Beetles can reduce plant stands or may kill seedlings | Control beetles with appropriate insecticides at seeding or after seedlings have emerged from the soil. |
How to Harvest and Store Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi should be harvested when the swollen stem reach 2-3 inches in diameter. Larger stems tend to be tough and woody. The young leaves can also be eaten like cabbage or kale. Kohlrabi can be stored for 2-3 weeks at 32°F and 95% relative humidity. When prepared, the outer skin is peeled off and the inner flesh is eaten raw or cooked. Kohlrabi tastes like turnips with a texture like water chestnuts.
Kohlrabi Plant Productivity
Plant 3-5 feet of row per person for fresh use and an additional 5-10 feet of row for storage or processing purposes. Expect 5-7 lbs. per 10 feet of row.
Kohlrabi Nutrition Facts
Kohlrabi has no fat, and is a good source of fiber and potassium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of my kohlrabi is tough and woody. Is that normal?
Kohlrabi should be harvested when the enlarged stem is 2-3 inches in diameter, otherwise it will become woodier as it continues to grow. Peel off the outer layer which is the tougher part of the stem.
Published March 2020
Utah State University Extension
Peer-reviewed fact sheet
Download PDF
Authors
Dan Drost and Michael Johnson, Vegetable Specialists
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